IIT Jodhpur Unveils New AI-Based Diagnostic Tool for Hypertensive Retinopathy

Described as cost-effective, portable, non-invasive, and resource-efficient, the tool offers high accuracy in diagnosing HR, as detailed in the Biomedical Signal Processing and Control Journal.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) have introduced an innovative computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for the early detection of Hypertensive Retinopathy (HR).

The CAD-based approach utilises deep learning technology, offering a cost-effective, portable, non-invasive, and time-efficient solution for HR diagnosis, as detailed in the Biomedical Signal Processing and Control Journal.

Talking about the significance of the research, Dr Anil Kumar Tiwari, professor at the department of electrical engineering, IIT Jodhpur, said, “The proposed system will not only provide opinions to the doctors but can provide better diagnosis accuracy. This system can be used especially in emergency treatment by physicians, neurologists, and ophthalmologists.”

HR, a retinal condition caused by prolonged hypertension, acts as a crucial indicator for various health issues, including risks to the heart, brain, and kidneys. The method developed by IIT Jodhpur demonstrates diagnostic precision, with an average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of nearly 98.5%.

The significance of this development lies in its potential to aid in timely treatment, preventing vision loss, and mitigating damage to vital organs caused by HR. 

Furthermore, the collaboration between IIT Jodhpur and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jodhpur, supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, exemplifies a collective effort towards innovative healthcare solutions.

Moreover, advancements in the field of ophthalmology have taken a significant step forward with partnerships between Eye-Q, a leading eye care hospital chain, and Eyestem Research, a Bangalore-based biotechnology company. Eye-Q unveiled an advanced I-Lasik machine at its Vision Plus Centre in Vadodara, aiming to provide enhanced vision correction for individuals with various visual impairments.

Additionally, Eyestem Research's collaboration with Ikerian AG and RetinAI Inc US focuses on leveraging RetinAI's clinical data management and AI-driven analytics to advance the treatment of geographic atrophy, employing Eyestem's innovative cell therapy, Eyecyte-RPE.

This collaboration is essential in improving the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases, which have far-reaching implications in healthcare, particularly in preventing vision loss and addressing a spectrum of ocular and non-ocular health concerns.